C—IB

60

destructive to the Picea sitchensis. the growing of the tideland spruce in this district may be successfully accomplished. In sheltered situations the Quercus pedunculata continue to register an annual vertical growth of about 18 in., whilst even more rapid headway is discernible among the Fraxvnus excelsior compartments. The Fraxinus americma are decidedly more frail trees than the English variety ; but, nevertheless, are now beginning to develop favourably. Although Pinus austriaca grew with greater rapidity in the early stages, Pinus Laricio is now gradually proving its superiority, both as a faster grower and more healthy forest tree. Isolated specimens of the former variety are at times literally covered witli an aphis, which, however, docs not appear to lessen the vigour of the tree to any extent, but certainly creates a disfigurement. It is now evident that the Japanese larch (Larix leptolepis) is no more able to wit listand a partial drought than the European species ; and of the two varieties, growing under precisely the same conditions, the latter one has certainly recovered more speedily and grown with greater uniformity. Some six years ago an exceptionally severe host accounted for the destruction of a natural broadleaf bush, and the area thus deforested was eventually underplantcil with walnuts and chestnuts. These trees have succeeded beyond expectations, and will now probably average 9 ft. in height; whilst from a number of specimens fully matured nuts were gathered this year. Apart from the planting of some 24,630 trees (as per schedule), which were used purely for replanting purposes, the two employees engaged at this station have devoted their time to the general maintenance-work, and included in this labour may be mentioned tree-pruning, removing coarse growth from around young trees, repairing roads and water-tables, rabbiting, and caretaking. Buildings. —A most satisfactory result attended the uniting of the unused huts, and quite a substantial dwellinghouse is now available for the foreman. A combined wash and coal house has also been erected by our own labour, besides sundry improvements effected to immediate surroundings. Presence of Deer. With the increase of shelter, and consequent difficulty in locating their where abouts, the red-deer are causing rather more damage to young trees than formerly. The ravages of the destructive animals are chiefly confined to ash-saplings, which usually receive such extensive damage as to necessitate immediate cutting-back to ground-surface. Employees receive authority from time to time to destroy deer ; but rarely get an opportunity to fire at the anmals from an effective distance. Rabbiting. —The ill effects arising from a dry season was again brought into prominence by the Pomahaka River failing to check the ingress of rabbits from opposite properties, which, of course, are not so free from the pest. Fortunately, no great difficulty is experienced in trapping, although some little time generally elapses ere the haunts of the intruders are known. An expenditure of £457 Us. 4d. was incurred during the year, giving employment to two men. and the total to date reaches £12,459 Is. 7d. The value attributed to buildings, fencing, &c, is recognized at £1,010 195.. whilst the total cost of tree-planting operations since initiation amounts to £11,439 2s. 7d. Details of expenditure. Trees Account, Property Account, and balance-sheet are appended. Schedule ll. — Statement of Expenditure. Pot Year. To Dale. Planting operations and maintenance £ s. d. t s. d. Tree-planting .. .. .. .. .. :i.094 16 2 Pitting.. .. .. .. .. .. 3.619 2 7 Clearing .. .. .. .. .. 496 5 II Cartage of trees . . .. . . . . 216 12 8 General upkeep of plantation .. 157 7 7 2,410 14 7 General repairs .. .. .. 14 16 •""> 52 19 11 Horse-feed 6 14 6 112 8 II Permanent worksFencing .. .. .. .. .. 258 2 3 Formation .. .. .. .. .. 366 7 _' Buildings .. .. .. .. 103 12 10 368 18 6 Stock, implements, &o.—Tools, implements .. .. 145 8 9 Supervision and clerical— Salaries — Supervision of free labour .. .. L6O 0 0 '.c>r> Hi 0 Nurseryman's proportion of clerical assistance .. .. .. 25 0 0 361 N 2 £457 11 4 £12,459 1 7 Schedule 111. — Trees Account. Number. Trees received during year .. .. .. .. .. -M.630 Less to replace blanks .. .. . . .. .. 24.630 Planted on new area Previously planted .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,180,837 Total number planted on 845 acres (average age, seven years) .. 2,180,837